All We Are Is Dust In The Wind

The summer hasn't really been that eventful...I've been sitting in front of the computer or the TV for a bulk of it. That isn't to say I haven't been doing anything. I've cleaned my computer, opening up 4GB of space, organized it, made new layouts for my sites, and cut down on my RPing, so I'm attempting to do other stuff. I've taken up archery again, since my dad bought me a new bow. I've also been cleaning the house. Oh, and tutoring Lizzie in calculus. We're having fun with it. I kind of miss having a math class. Maybe I'll start doing random math.

I'm still jobless, but not really looking for an official job anymore. I'm still doing computer repairs...but people haven't been breaking their computers, so I haven't had a job for that. May be working with mom on setting up a network and perhaps designing a website, so maybe that will happen. Trying to save up as much money as possible for college whilst spending a little to actually have some fun this summer (it helps that we're all pretty much trying to save money, so we don't do things that cost that much money).

Still planning on visiting Mary, maybe Mom will take me (us?). Never been to NYC, and it'd be nice to do that while not having to worry about spending my money =P But Mary seems to be having fun at her internship, avoiding RPattz fangirls outside of her dorm. Poor girl...having to deal with those Twilighters and Cedric fangirls. But she sent me a postcard, so now I have to find a good one to send back.

Trying to start writing again...don't know what yet, but I have creative writing in the fall and I don't want to blank when I need to write something. Going through a lot of my old stuff on the computer sparked some inspiration, but I have other stuff to do before I can sit down and write. I want to start reading some books too...I have the Sword of Truth series, A Song of Ice and Fire series, and the new Sookie Stackhouse book to read, plus I want to read and reread some Michael Crichton. Too bad I'm feeling lazy.

Also need to design a panther tattoo for me and mom to get together, as we finally agreed on something. That'll be a future B-day/mothers' day gift....hopefully.

I'm also wicked far behind on Deadpool...it makes me sad, but I don't want to spend money on comics that will take me a half-hour to read when I can be saving. Blargh. I'll just play with my Deadpool action figure and make my own comic...

I guess that's all for now.

Like the eyes of a cat in the black and blue, something is coming for you

A Whole New Set of Jaws

We’ve all heard the theme (duh-nuh…duh-nuh). Maybe in a pool somewhere, a sibling teased you with a fake shark fin while his friend hummed the theme. Or maybe you’ve used it yourself for sneaking up on someone. It’s embedded in pop culture, used in many different ways since its first inception. But still, there’s something about that theme, the sound of the bow on those strings, which, even to this day, makes people uneasy. I am, of course, talking about the Jaws theme, composed by John Williams for Steven Spielberg’s shark attack tale, Jaws.

Like a lot of people, I’m sure, the first time I saw the movie I wasn’t exactly supposed to. It’s understandable; it’s a shark movie with a lot of violence, swearing and gore. But I was a kid, I liked sharks, and I liked movies, so of course I managed to see it without my parents knowing. I’m not going to lie, it was the music, sound, and anticipation of an attack that scared me more than the actual shark attack, which is what is supposed to happen in a thriller. The film really does a good job at creating suspense, not just through the theme. The shots from the shark’s point of view added on to the feeling and, what really got me, the lack of sound in some parts, just before the theme even started playing did as well. The shark wasn’t that scary, it was the suspense that really got you.

There is, however, no reason for suspense without good characters, otherwise we’d root for the shark. The acting of Roy Scheider as Brody, Richard Dreyfuss as Hooper and Robert Shaw as Quint made the film much more personable. Each played their part very well, and the three working together made their interactions, as characters, seem real and you emphasized with them: you wanted them to get the shark; you wanted them to succeed; you didn’t want the shark to kill anymore.

Way back in 1975, when the film first premiered, it was a box office hit. The movie began the age of the blockbuster and was based on the book by Peter Benchley. People thought it was scary and gruesome; some even thought it should have a harsher rating than PG. Nowadays, with all the things my generation has been shown, Jaws isn’t as scary as it had been made now. Despite the techniques I’m used to now–excessive gore, violence, etc.–Jaws is still a good thriller. I know I prefer to let my imagination do a lot of work, so I was happy to see that the shark was only shown a couple of times (although that was, in part, because of the look of the mechanical shark). That isn’t to say there isn’t any gore, because there definitely was (people are dying after all), but the movie doesn’t just rely on shock. It’s focused more on creating terror through suspense.

Jaws did well enough to spawn other sequels (including a 3D one), and even a ride at Universal Studios. People of the Jaws era, I’m sure, were scared to go into the water when they saw it, and I just want to let people of this era know that the film is definitely worth watching. Maybe it will scare you, maybe it won’t, but one thing’s for sure, you won’t know why they’re gonna need a bigger boat until you watch.

Hello darkness, my old friend, I've come to talk with you again

Who Watches the Watchmen? I Do!

After scrambling around for a ride and driving one of the most anxious hours to get to the nearest IMAX theatre, I finally got to sit down and enjoy a movie I had been waiting months to see. Of course, the place was packed, even at 11am, and I was stuck in the front right corner of the theatre (talk about neck cramps), but I still enjoyed myself immensely watching one of the best graphic novels brought to life on the big screen. What a spectacle it was; sold out shows hours in advance can attest to that.

Going into the theatre, I knew I was going to witness a beautifully made film, especially since I saw Zack Snyder’s 300 and was amazed. Snyder once again takes on the job of transcribing a graphic novel to a film and he does it masterfully. The film feels like a comic book and a reality at the same time. His cast is brilliantly assembled with Jeffrey Dean Morgan as the Comedian, Patrick Wilson as Nite Owl II, and Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach. Billy Crudup as a CGI-ed Dr. Manhattan, Matthew Goode as Ozymandias and Carla Gugino as Silk Spectre also round out the cast. The actors did an amazing job of bringing to life their 2D counterparts, and Snyder did an equally amazing job at creating the alternate universe in which the story takes place.

The film does a few major things differently from the graphic novel but overall, it was quite true to the story and themes. Of course, some changes were necessary, if only to shorten the length of the film (it is hard to keep an audience for more than three hours after all). I liked the update of the costumes and the fact that Rorschach’s inkblot was ever changing (since it changed in every panel in the novel), but I would have loved to see the minor characters a bit more. Of course, since the ending was changed and the comic within the comic was released on DVD instead, it is understandable why a lot of the minor characters were only briefly seen. There may not be a real squid, but the ending of film was just as powerful as in the graphic novel. While there may be changes from the graphic novel, I feel that the film is still very faithful to its theme.

I do have to say, however, out of the entire movie, the part that got me the most was the opening credits. In five minutes, Snyder was able to sum up a whole passage of time regarding the history of vigilantes to the tune of Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” There are many parallels to what has actually happened in history, most striking of which is the recreation of the JFK assassination. There is also a revamp of the famous J-Day photograph and even a semblance to the Last Supper at Sally Jupiter’s retirement party. Most importantly, it shows the evolution of the Watchmen in their place in history and helps give background to those who have not read the graphic novel.

Whether or not you have read Watchmen, this movie is one you should not miss. Comic book fan or no, the film has a theme that everyone can relate to, not to mention wonderful character development. Watchmen is not an action movie, it is a mystery drama, so anyone who likes this type of film will want to watch. Every viewer will be able to find something they like about Watchmen, if they are able to sit through almost three hours that is.

I remember a soldier standing next to me riding on the Metro

Shameless plug for The Unusuals. Watch it...it's good!

We are stuck in this world that's not meant for me, for me.

Alright, a quick update.

In Astronomy, we haven't been able to look at the sun because the weather's been uncooperative. However, I did get to help my Astronomy professor from last Spring with his research. Basically, we looked at spectra and determined the temperature of the stars we were looking at for him. It was tedious, but fun. Hopefully we'll get to look at the sun next week.

In Apocalypse class, we finished up our research and are working on our pre-production notebook. Dan, James and I are doing a Medieval zombie movie. Should be fun.

In Cinema and Exhibition, we haven't really been meeting, but I've been writing reviews. My Watchmen one should be up around Tuesday.

In my Computer class, we've been working with GUI in Java. I'm happy, as it takes me back to Mr. Betti's class in High School.

Hollywood is...disturbing. I swear, she's just trying to see how many of us she can make feel awkwardly uncomfortable. I'm going to leave it up to your imaginations to figure out why.

So...that's been my classes. As for everything else, there's not much, as I haven't had that much free time. I did, however, play a dead body for James' final film @ IC and Travis almost stabbed me with his kabar. Yep.

That's all for now, besides the fact I really want it to be summer.

Once upon a time I could control myself. Once upon a time I could lose myself.

Decided to start posting some of the photos I've taken.

Do you believe in rock 'n roll, can music save your mortal soul?

Just wanted to share Jeremy Renner's lovely voice in Love Comes to the Executioner

All these bitches checkin' out my britches

Shameless plug for Flight of the Conchords

All Your Belief Cannot Absolve Your Sin

Stargate: The Ark of Truth

Now that there are no “Stargate” TV shows on anymore, fans have something else to turn to until “Stargate: Universe” hits SciFi. What is that? Straight-to-DVD movies. Instead of renewing the shows for more seasons, the producers decided to take a different route and wrap up storylines in under two hours. The first of two “SG-1” movies, The Ark of Truth, is setting a trend for the series, which looks to continue through with “Atlantis” movies.

The Ark of Truth is definitely made for the “Stargate” audience. There is no doubt that anyone who hasn’t watched the series or knows nothing about the franchise will be lost. While that may be true, there is also a prelude on the DVD that summarizes the last two seasons of “SG-1,” which is useful if someone forgot what had happened. It gives background for the film and also refreshes the memory of us dedicated viewers of the show, so we aren’t straining to remember what happened in the series that ended a while ago.

Since the film is a continuation of “SG-1,” there are definitely a lot of similarities with the show. They have stayed true to the series, both in character and plot lines. All of the characters remain as they were (except maybe Sam, whose hair has grown quite a bit). They are still the same old, loveable characters with their flaws, and they still bring humor to the genre, especially Cam (Ben Browder), who has numerous one-liners (a perfectly placed “ow” had me laughing for minutes). If the movie had been shown as a special episode, it would be hard to tell the difference, except maybe that there are a few more swear words allowed.

The movie itself continues on the Ori story arch as the team continues to look for a way to take out their big enemy. They find a hope in the Ark of Truth, hence the title. The film focuses on the search for the end of the Ori and deal with them as a big bad as well as the reappearance of the Replicators, which have long plagued the series. By the end of the film, the storyline is split between dealing with the Ori and dealing with the Replicators, two of the biggest baddies in the whole “Stargate” franchise. The action involved with both is definitely copious and it all leads to two separate epic battles that finally take care of the story arch from the series and that of the film.

With straight-to-DVD films, it’s usually a hit or miss. The film was good, yes, but it felt as though it was a whole story arch smooshed into an hour and a half. I think The Ark of Truth could’ve been better if there had been an appearance by Colonel Jack O’Neill, but that’s just me. By the end, it almost felt as if I were asking myself “That’s it?” Ten years of trouble, the past two of the season leading up to this and that’s all it took to defeat the Ori? At least it was better than getting left with guesswork. They did manage to wrap up the storylines, but I feel as though it was a bit rushed. In comparison, I think Serenity did a better job with wrapping up “Firefly,” even though a lot of stuff from the show wasn’t expanded on.

While the film would make a good episode, I think I speak for a lot of fans when I say I would prefer a whole ‘nother season. Unfortunately for us, the film did well enough that the producers decided to take “Atlantis” off the air and do the same thing. But if this is all we have for the “Stargate” series, I’ll take what I can get.

I whispered in her ear: fear me, dear, for I am death

Shameless plug for Looking for Group

Daddy was a bankrobber, but he never hurt nobody. He just loved to live that way, and he loved to steal your money

Are you a RockNRolla?

Walking into the theater to see the film, you probably find yourself asking, “What is a RockNRolla?” The answer is found right at the beginning of the movie: “A real RockNRolla wants the fucking lot,” the good life in all aspects. What does that have to do with the film, other then the fact that the title is RockNRolla? At the center of the conflict is a rocker named Johnny Quid who faked his own death for popularity; but the tale is also one of money, drugs, art and relationships and at its core is a crime film. So, the title of ‘RockNRolla’ has to do with music as well as crime.

Like other Guy Ritchie films, RockNRolla deals with the underworld of London. Thieves, mobsters, and corrupt figures populate the movie, which centers said people that end up in trouble with the Russians. Like Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, a series of interconnected events leads to the main conflict of the film: the Russian boss’s painting goes missing whilst in the care of a London crime boss. It turns out, Johnny Quid is Lenny the boss’s son and has stolen the painting, causing trouble for the London crime boss who is trying to negotiate with the Russians over property and money. This action sets off the conflict that causes the other characters to scramble around and pass on the painting without realizing its significance.

Ritchie employs a great cast including Gerard Butler as a thief named One-Two, Tom Wilkinson as Lenny, Mark Strong as Archie, Lenny’s second, and Thandie Newton as the Russian’s accountant who inadvertently adds to the main conflict of the film. Toby Kebbell’s Johnny Quid ties them all together with his philosophical commentary as he delves deeper into the life of a RockNRolla. The characters in the film are diverse and flawed, making the cast well rounded. At the same time, all the characters are humorous and important to the plot. Even the junkies who make a few appearances add a comedic aspect as well as furthering on the conflict. Most important, the characters are believable and somehow, like a true Ritchie cast, are all interconnected in one form or another.

As a film in the crime genre, the story revolves around the life of criminals, thugs, and dirty thieves. There is stealing, swindling, drug use and action to go along with it. But there is also a humorous play on the seriousness of these events. Unlike other crime films, this one can be considered more of a comedy, but it still has its roots deep into the crime genre. Yes, there are robbery scenes, blood and violence, but the robberies get messed up, things go wrong, and people just don’t stay dead. One-Two’s encounter with the Russians that spans on for more than he thought it would is one of those great comedic scenes. Subplots become connected to the main one and everything seems to come full circle. Things stay understandable with the help of Archie’s voiceovers and the movie stays enjoyable to watch all the way through.

The story and characters make a film, but the soundtrack is absolutely amazing and adds to the story and mood. The music ranges from ‘50s and ‘60s rock to rock and roll of modern times. With the film having RockNRoll in the title, it would have been a disappointment not to have a RockNRoll soundtrack. The music helps with the comedy, the action, and even the background of the film, especially in terms of Johnny Quid. A notable use of the soundtrack is the flashback sequence involving a younger Johnny and Lenny, which illustrates their relationship against The Clash’s “Bankrobber.” It is a brilliant and touching scene, and explains why Johnny and Lenny clash so much, no pun intended.

Overall, the film is worth watching, even if you are not a fan of crime films. Its action, comedy and drama add to it and make it enjoyable and anyone who appreciates a humorous spin on a normally serious topic would like it. If you are a fan of Guy Ritchie or enjoyed his other films, RockNRolla is definitely one to add to your collection.

I'm floating in a most peculiar way, And the stars look very different today

Wow, so I suck at updating my blog. Probably because what I set out to use it for (aka school) hasn't been giving me anything to post. So, I'll sum up the last few weeks of Astronomy in one post.

Since last time we've:
>> Observed Orion and Venus, looked at a cloud forming region. Froze our asses off.

>> Gotten in new equipment, so we put it together and cataloged it. I was in charge of the delicate filters (bad call by the way) and the expensive lenses, but I managed to not destroy any of the expensive equipment. I also had to set up the computer and camera because...it's kind of what I do.

>> Brought the new equipment outside and set it up. Tried to align it. I was in charge of the camera and computer again. I also had the military-issued flashlights strapped to my pants and was proceeding to make a rave for my fellow classmates

>> Worked with photoshop to composite and color black and white pictures and make pretty images, which I didn't get to take off of the laptops we used so I can't post them

>> Finally used the new equipment and I was in charge of figuring out why the camera wasn't working. Also, I was out in the freezing cold the entire time (only one in my class to do so including my professor). I went a little numb, but I got the stuff to work. Also manged to fix what my professor broke. He said I got an 'A+' because I fixed the expensive equipment. I couldn't tell if he was joking.

Yep, and outside of class I've been observing Saturn and Venus. Venus has been acting as me and Katy's 'guardian' At first we thought it was a star that only we could see, but it turned out to be Venus. But it's cool. I saw a lovely phase of it. Also saw Saturn. Missed a fireball because my professor didn't point it out to us because we were looking at him. I call that irony.

So that's been astronomy for the past month. It's been freezing, but we've been having perfect weather for observing. If only we could've observed more =P

Take These Eyes, I Would Rather Be Blind

Since people have started their own blogs, I guess I would start one as well. And by 'people,' I mean Katy. So, I haven't quite decided what it's going to be for yet. Though I'm probably leaning towards using it to post my observations for my Astronomy Lab, as it's centered on such things. But it might be a mix of things for classes other than Astronomy. Probably my film reviews for Cinema in Exhibition, comments on stuff for my Apocalyptic film class and maybe even stuff for my computer class. Also, stuff for the student-produced TV Show I'm doing makeup for: "A Book By Its Cover" (it's a murder mystery series). Who knows what else? I certainly don't.

Or maybe it'll just be used for my random writings.

Or...it'll slip into a coma like my LiveJournal...

Yep. Great, optimistic first post...

The End.